The Student Government Association voted 12-2 on Tuesday to amend an article in the constitution that says it must have two-thirds of its members present to conduct business. The SGA will now need only half of its members present to proceed with legislative business.
Sen. Ethan Flynn, who sponsored the amendment, said member absenteeism and tardiness had caused problems for the SGA.
This issue became a matter of more importance after the SGA was unable to meet quorum and conduct business at last week’s first meeting of the semester.
“I say let the responsible students conduct business without the irresponsible ones hindering their efforts,” he said.
But Sen. Miranda Lane opposed the amendment and said less of the student body will be heard if fewer senators participate in the votes.
“This amendment allows for less representation,” she said. “I think we’re hurting students by doing that. The decisions we make will be less informed because of it.”
Lane went on to argue that by passing the amendment, the SGA would “lower its standards because of a few irresponsible members. Maybe that’s the issue that should be addressed.”
The amendment was passed, however, through emergency legislation – a procedure which was summed up by President Jarrod Suits: “It just means that we’re voting on it today instead of waiting until next week to vote. We’re just skipping a step.
Flynn thought the amendment should be passed immediately. “The reason we need emergency legislation on this is because we may have to use it next week.”
The SGA went on to cover other business, including approving March 23-24 as the dates for the upcoming student elections.
Senators also approved the appointment of Chief Justice Aaron Fielden. Kobelah Bennah, the former chief justice, vacated the seat when he was called for military duty.
“It was really sudden,” said Fielden. “He left a note for [President Suits] saying, ‘Gone to Iraq. Be back in a year.'”
Despite the upheaval, Suits was excited about Fielden’s new appointment. “Aaron’s got a lot of experience, and he’s a great leader.”
As chief justice, Fielden will run the student court, supervise Traffic Court and notify the president of judiciary system changes.
The SGA also voted Sen. Nancy Padgett as parliamentarian of the Senate, where she will interpret parliamentary procedure for the SGA and chair the Senate Rules Committee. “I know she can get the job done,” said Flynn, who spoke on behalf of Sen. Padgett.
Also discussed was the SGA-sponsored “Relay for Life” which is the primary fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.
Secretary of State Lacie Tullock, who coordinates the event, described it as “bigger and better.”
“This year,” she said, “the event will be more about advocacy. It’s still a celebration, but we’re more committed to helping [cancer patients].”
New activities surrounding the event include “Look Good, Feel Good,” where makeup artists who have received special training will teach cancer patients specialized makeup tips, and “Locks for Love,” which challenges volunteers to donate their hair for chemotherapy patients’ wigs.
The SGA meets on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Culp Center forum.

Author